Reviving Rosemary - Tips For Improving Health of Older Plants

Reviving old rosemary plants can be a rewarding process that can breathe new life into your herb garden. Here are some tips on how to revive old rosemary plants:

Assess the plant

Start by assessing the overall health of the rosemary plant. Look for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves, sparse growth, or woody stems.

Watering

Ensure that the plant is receiving adequate water. Rosemary plants prefer slightly dry conditions, so be careful not to overwater. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.  Overwatered Rosemary looks like it's dehydrated and will wilt.  Let the soil fully dry.  

Pruning

As mentioned earlier, pruning can help rejuvenate old rosemary plants by promoting new growth.  But a word of caution - severe pruning can stunt, damage, or kill your rosemary.  Follow the 1/3 rule and prune no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. 

• Prune to reduce height.  Following the 1/3 rule, prune the top growth but only to where there are still leaves on the plant.  Avoid cutting woody stems where there is no green growth unless the stem is dead.  
• Prune to remove dead limbs.  A simple fingernail scratch of the bark surface will tell you if the limb is dead. Green beneath the scratch is ok - brown is dead. 
• Prune to reduce width.  You can be more aggressive here, but remember to follow 1/3 pruning rule - prune no more than 1/3 of the plant.  

Severely pruning your rosemary by cutting it back to the ground will likely kill your plant.  

Fertilizing

Consider applying a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for herbs to provide essential nutrients that the plant may be lacking. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for best results.  Organic is best.  Try one of the Espoma Brand products.  

Sunlight

Rosemary plants thrive in full sunlight, so make sure the plant is placed in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

Repotting

If the rosemary plant is root-bound or has outgrown its current pot, consider repotting it into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil. This will give the plant more room to grow and access to fresh nutrients.   Don't use saucers, or if you do, pour the water off to avoid wicking.  

Relocating Planted Rosemary

If you need to move your Rosemary, it is possible, but the older the plant, the more difficult it may be.  We suggest doing any transplanting during the dormant season in the south - December-January. Many plants often will require more water to help them get over transplant shock, but watering excessively can damage or kill Rosemary.  It is best to move them when they are dormant to avoide the moisture loss issues.   

Pest control

Check the plant for any signs of pests, such as aphids or spider mites, and address the issue promptly. Use organic pest control methods or insecticidal soap to protect the plant from further damage.

Harvest Regularly

Remember that harvesting rosemary leaves is good for the plant.  Light snipping will keep your rosemary producing and will fill your spice jars at the same time!  

 

By following these steps and providing the necessary care, you can help revive your old rosemary plant and encourage it to thrive once again. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for the plant to show signs of improvement.